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The University, with the onset of fall semester, is welcoming the class of 2021. The freshman class is filled with students of various backgrounds and various aspirations, who chose the University for a variety of reasons. Three incoming freshman, Jennifer Miller, Angelica-Marie Cea, and Daniel Molster, spoke with the Charger Bulletin about their experiences and expectations.

Miller, who will be majoring in marine biology, explained that it was the marine biology program which initially drew her to the University, while Cea, also a marine biology major, attributed it to the location.

“Funny thing is I only visited the school because it was near New York and I wanted credit for going to school because seniors didn’t have to go that day,” said Cea.

She quickly grew to love the campus, describing how she could see herself walking to class, and even as a member of the Marching Band.

Molster, who will be majoring in Computer Science, had a different initial outlook towards the University. He was drawn to the University because of its partnership with Engineering and Science University Magnet School of which he is an alumni.

When asked to pick one thing they absolutely loved about the University it is no surprise that their answers lined up with their initial opinions. Miller cited the “many programs to help students get through college,” while Cea stuck with her love of the location answering, “the beauty of the campus.” While the campus’s beauty and plentitude of programs draw thousands of students every year, some focus in on the sense of community. Many students, including Molster, enjoy the atmosphere just as much as the opportunity.

“You might’ve stumped me as there are a LOT of great perks and things I love. But, if I have to pick one it’s definitely that sense of community. I think there’s a lot of great opportunities and the community really seems to encourage going for the gold,” said Molster.

Miller and Molster are looking forward to their four years on campus with their class, and each have their own goals for the time period and aspirations for the future.

“I hope to get out of my four years are meeting new people, making memories, and an education beyond the classroom,” said Miller.

Molster breaks his goals down into three categories: personal, social, and professional. He wants to walk away with a solid foundation of close friends and a degree in his hand, but his personal goal holds much more weight.

“I want to prove to everyone that even though I may have a mental disability I can still accomplish just as much as someone who doesn’t, if not more,” said Molster.

While Miller and Molster look forward to their future at the University, Cea’s path has hit a much larger road block. She recently learned that her financial situation does not allow her to pay the last bit of tuition, and she cannot find a loan cosigner to make it happen for her.

She reached out to the University for help and described her experience as stressful and then hopeful. “I reached out to the University and they initially said I had to find a cosigner and that’s it. I then re-contacted them and got a lot more help at that time. They told me my financial options and everything,” said Cea.

While it may not work in her favor this semester, her determination is unwavering.

“I will definitely attend New Haven in the spring. No doubt about that. I will be on campus in 2018. You can count on that,” said Cea.